As an integral part of the Healthcare Team, Kara draws on her expertise working on healthcare environments to develop unique Interior Architectural solutions tailored to delicately balance our clients’ unique aesthetic and branding requirements with their functional needs.  In addition to being a licensed Interior Designer, Kara became the state’s first designer certified by the American Academy of Healthcare Interior (AAHID) in 2013.  The AAHID certification requires five years of specialized experience working on a variety of healthcare projects and rigorous exam covering guidelines, codes and trends impacting acute care, ambulatory and outpatient care, long-term care, senior living, as well as medical, retail and hospitality support services codes, guidelines and other aspects of health care interior design. Within each project team and within our organization, Kara is responsible for advocating the needs of the patients and the staff and to draw on her skillset and the firm’s resources to create custom Interior Architectural solutions that enhance the patient experience and facilitate the medical staff’s ability to provide care consistent with their overall mission.  Kara uses her unique Interior Architecture experience working with clinical staff and facilities groups to provide signature design solutions that maximize the patience experience while maintaining the stringent healthcare protocol.  A prime example of her influence can be seen in her work on the OU Children’s Atrium and OU Children’s Physicians Medical Office Building.  The award winning projects is a prime example of her ability to balance the functional healthcare needs with emotional and physical needs of the patients and their families.  She also recently completed the planning and design of the Devon Energy Executive Clinic “the DOC”.  Working closely with the leadership at Devon Energy, the team was asked to redefine the clinical setting into a patient-centric focused on wellness and prevention.  The innovative clinical design includes individualized healthcare suites capable of accommodating a broad range of clinical needs within the branded Devon Energy aesthetics.  Each project, regardless of the scale, is a top priority for Kara and approached with a desire to improve on the delivery of healthcare through simple design solutions that provide comfort and enhance the patient experience and that of their families/caregivers. 

Services Offered

• Facilities Evaluation
• Master Planning
• Budget Estimate + Planning
• Space Planning
• Lighting Design
• Project Scheduling
• Furniture, Fixtures + Equipment Specification + Coordination
• Art Design + Selection
• Wayfinding + Signage
• Construction Administration

Publications

2013 New Trends In Ceiling Designs and Materials Ceiling design elements and design variables that affect building interior environments and performance and occupant health and comfort.